Vintage Tomato and Basil Pasta
A classic Italian dish with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, capturing the essence of a timeless recipe. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs (340g), spaghetti pasta, medium, diced tomatoes, small, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g), spaghetti pasta
- 4 medium, diced tomatoes
- 1 small, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil
- 1/4 cup (10g), fresh, chopped basil
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5g) pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 1 diced onion for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 4 diced tomatoes, cooking for 10 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, add 1/4 cup basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Stir to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vintage Tomato and Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Vintage Tomato and Basil Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (340g), spaghetti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vintage Tomato and Basil Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Vintage Tomato and Basil Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Vintage Tomato and Basil Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
